Boston Landlord Sues to Evict Raising Cane's Over Chicken Finger Smell

Raising Cane's claims landlord wants to replace them with Panda Express despite exclusivity clause

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A Boston landlord is attempting to evict a Raising Cane's restaurant location because the landlord claims the restaurant 'smells like chicken fingers.' Raising Cane's has filed a lawsuit against the landlord, 775 Boylston LLC, alleging the landlord is trying to terminate their lease and replace them with a Panda Express location despite a clause granting Raising Cane's exclusivity as the building's 'exclusive chicken restaurant.'

Why it matters

This dispute highlights the tensions that can arise between commercial landlords and tenants, especially when it comes to issues like odors and exclusivity clauses. It also speaks to the broader challenges facing restaurant chains as they navigate complex lease agreements and compete for prime real estate locations in major cities.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Raising Cane's opened its Back Bay location on Boylston Street in 2022, with a lease running through 2037. However, the landlord has now threatened to terminate the lease, claiming that new second-floor office tenants have complained about the 'offensive odor' from the chicken finger restaurant. Raising Cane's says it has spent over $200,000 trying to reduce odor issues, but the landlord has still informed them that the lease will be terminated. The lawsuit also alleges the landlord has been negotiating with Panda Express to take over the space next to Raising Cane's, despite a clause granting Raising Cane's exclusivity as the building's 'exclusive chicken restaurant.'

  • Raising Cane's opened its Back Bay location in 2022.
  • The current lease runs through 2037.

The players

Raising Cane's

A fast-food restaurant chain known for its chicken finger menu items.

775 Boylston LLC

The landlord of the building where the Raising Cane's location is situated, and is affiliated with Heath Properties.

Panda Express

A fast-food restaurant chain that specializes in Chinese cuisine, and is reportedly in negotiations with the landlord to take over space next to the Raising Cane's location.

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What they’re saying

“Despite these efforts, Defendant continues to complain that its tenant's chicken finger restaurant smells like chicken fingers.”

— Raising Cane's (CBS Boston)

“In reality, it appears that Defendant has come to the realization that its own build-out of the second-floor office space was poorly executed.”

— Raising Cane's (CBS Boston)

“Heath told WBZ-TV it has 'no comment' on the lawsuit.”

— Heath Properties (CBS Boston)

What’s next

The judge will need to rule on whether the landlord has grounds to terminate Raising Cane's lease due to the alleged odor issues.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the complex dynamics between commercial landlords and tenants, especially when it comes to issues like odors and exclusivity clauses. It underscores the challenges restaurant chains can face in securing and maintaining prime real estate locations, even after significant investments.